The Moonsingers: A Cozy Fairy Tale

by Robyn J Pritzker

In a quiet glen beyond the reach of the railway lives a peculiar family who knows the best magic is the kind found in ordinary moments.

When Ismay Gebhardt is dismissed from yet another teaching post after an unfortunate accident (which everyone survived!), she accepts a last-chance job as a private tutor in sleepy Glenmaidens village. The town is brimming with natural beauty, uncanny traditions, and earnest locals, none more unusual than her three young pupils—the Underhill sisters—and their puzzling father.

Determined to make herself useful after several catastrophic lessons with the unbiddable girls, Ismay writes to the transport bureau suggesting an extension to the train line, hoping to bring Glenmaidens into modernity. As usual, Ismay's good intentions lead to chaos with the arrival of the bureau's frustratingly thorough officer, Hamish Breck, whose railway plans threaten not only the glen's tranquility, but also the ancient oak tree at its heart. Amidst a mess of her own making, Ismay unearths Glenmaidens' enchanted the Underhills, like many villagers, are fairies who settled in the mortal world in search of a gentler life, and the oak is their only bridge back to the moonlit realm of the fantastic.

As summer heat rises, Ismay schemes with her magical neighbors to prevent the extension, each day finding herself more entangled with the charming, persistent bureaucrat. With her newfound family, the way between worlds, and her heart all at risk, Ismay must decide how much she would bargain to finally embrace the wonder and belonging she's always wished for.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Cozy Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Adult

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2026

Reviews

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ── 🍋‍🟩🐈‍⬛ᝰ .ᐟ read.
this was a big 50/50 for me, i still don't know how to feel, but RTC

[Andra-Mihaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today is #review day!🥰

From me, The Moonsingers by Robyn J. Pritzker gets 3.75⭐! 🥳

First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a honest review!

General info: a slow-paced cozy adult fantasy focused on family, an unlikely romance and the whimsy of children; this is a story about community, belonging and understanding your place in the world, as well as accepting one's self; it also talks about the importance of access to proper schooling for children with various conditions and how communication and willingness to understand them can lead to an easier time for them; perfect if you want a fairy tale set in summer full of childlike wonder!

CW: none

BOOK THOUGHTS

OK…I needed a couple of days to figure out how I wanted to talk about this #book.🧐

This is a slow-paced story…I mean it👀…think about a lazy summer day when you're just sitting on the picnic blanket alone…just looking at nature. This is the feeling this story gives.😌
You may or may not like it.🤷‍♀️ Just be aware this one is slow even by cozy fantasy standards.😅

With that being said…if you're in the mood for it…I don't think you'll regret picking it up👀😆.
This story is unique in a few aspects.🧐( or, at least, it feels like that to me😁)
In my opinion, this book talks A LOT about the existing need in our society to care about and do our best to include and help children with various conditions ( ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, etc.) to have a better life and an easier way navigating school. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!🥹🫶…I cannot stress enough how important I find this subject, and how happy I am to have #read a book addressing it.
It also talks a little about the adult experience of living with these conditions in a world where they're labelled ( in the most fortunate case) as a little eccentric. Another thing that's addressed here is the innate desire to belong to a group ( and how hard it is for some people to feel accepted).🥲

We follow our protagonist, Ismay, as she's desperately trying to save her teaching career with this one last job…a private tutor for 3 girls in a remote village.👀
From the get go we understand that she's very serious about everything in her life😅…and VERY determined to get things right this time…so...due to some unforeseen issues…our MC feels a strong need to write to the transport bureau.🤭 I think you already guessed that wasn't the best choice.😂

Despite loving the concept ( btw👀…this is the exact type of cozy fantasy I like…we have a prominent plotline that's well integrated into the character journeys, the atmosphere and the themes)… I still had some problems with the story.🫣
First…after spending around 20% of the book focusing on something I really REALLY liked…we have a shift ( albeit, a necessary one🥲). The pacing becomes snail-like and the introduction of a certain character isn't as smooth as it should be🤷‍♀️. Up until 35%...I was constantly putting down the book🫠. I was very close to dnfing due to me not vibing to the new direction ( thankfully that was corrected later on) and the pacing. I kid you not…I felt like waiting for the train in a remote station with 35 degrees outside, no shade and nobody to talk to.🥹

As I said, after 35%, things returned on track and the new plotline was seamlessly combined with the initial one to create something beautiful.☺️

The other 2 issues I had are tied to the narrative. When the MC tries her best to solve the problems she caused, we have 2 instances of her acting completely unhinged in a discussion with another person…and that person just accepting that without any problem. 🧐( yes, we know why she's acting like that, and why she's obsessed with this tree…but my guy doesn't 👀…to him she should be more than a little eccentric 😅) We have this addressed by the end…somewhat…but I wasn't satisfied with the answer…my dude, she looks like you need protection from🫣.

Anyway 😅…the other thing was more of a small slip from the author…during the climactic part of the story…we have a character randomly go away after asking the others something vital to our characters getting rescued😕. This IS a small thing…probably many won't notice it…but I did😅…especially as we know this character always moves around. My question was… Why?? It's clear this character was needed for a decision, and she just decided to leave??🫠…

With all that been said and done…let me gush a little about everything else!😆

This story is thematically rich 🤌. Above I addressed the main topics and I highly recommend you give this one a try if you enjoy reading about such things. Besides that…the writing is truly beautiful. You'll feel the sun on your face, the night's wind while you sleep, see the children's dresses, and the content atmosphere of the village. You'll definitely yearn to go to a village market and buy some fruit.🤭

Characters : We have a pretty big cast of characters for a cozy fantasy😁. In my opinion, we have great characterization for our protagonist, Ismay, for our guy, Hamish Breck, and for the 3 girls: Morven, Weir and Ailsa.
The others, while not as well defined, are written in such a way you won't confuse them at all, you'll understand the type of person they are and exactly what they think before they tell you.☺️
Diarmid is definitely stuck in the past, unknowingly hurting the future of the children ; he's also absentminded and very lax. I'm glad we also addressed his flaws as part of Ismay's character growth and I wish more books will do this.☺️
Caroline is the mysterious one😂..she's that old aunt who always seems to know more than she should.
Adrian is that guy always saying : it's complicated 😣..and Sosie is a ray of sunshine and a good friend. Mr. Williams…is the embodiment of Ismay's fear of failure and despite his story not being as explored as I wanted…I liked his arc enough not to be mad with how everything ended. Marceline and Iona was cleverly used and Cassidy had a brief but lovely appearance.

The girls are precious 🥹🫶…each of them feels distinct from each other ; they all represent a certain type of child and, not only that, but also (possibly) a condition found in children with learning difficulties. Their arc is perfect!😤 They always play an important role in Ismay's story and are integral not only for the MC inner growth to accept herself, but to the plot itself. That's right people!🤩 They aren't just decorations!🥳
The Underhills are very much eccentric 🤭, free and unapologetically themselves. They bring the whimsy, the nature magic, but also question your ideas of what's normal, right or good for someone. I loved them!!!😆

Hamish is a sweet guy🥰…and his hyper fixation with trains just as sweet. He's genuinely a good person, not just as a love interest, and with solid beliefs that don't change due to love or anything of the sort…my guy needs proof!☺️…I honestly think I liked him more than Ismay😂…poor dude…he just wanted to do his job🤣.

Now…Ismay is complicated 😅…she's erratic, stubborn, fixated on her mistakes, sometimes annoying, but she's also kind, a great teachers and a whimsical child at heart.😌 She's very much on the spectrum and I really enjoyed seeing everything through her eyes. I believe that if you're OK with a type A person always walking around with her notebook while trying her best to solve things…you'll enjoy this book a lot. ☺️

Everything is presented from her perspective...and even if she's distraught by an event, or melancholic, angry or even jealous…you'll be able to see beyond that and understand how the others actually feel about her, or the situation. A great example of that is her relationship with her sister and Marceline…we see past instances, we get Ismay's feelings, but we also know that she sees stuff that way because of her condition. She's ashamed of herself, she feels inadequate and, in some cases, downright bad. 😔 But we also see her being trustworthy, hardworking and doing everything in her power to find solutions. I really liked how the villagers receive her and how they each offer her space in their own way. And yes…her view is not always right…nobody ever thinks of her as useless or bent on doing harm. She did make mistakes, but never intentionally.🥹

Plot : thankfully, the plot is very much the focus of the book. We do have cozy moments, conversations and vibes…but stopping the railway company is always top priority.😌
At times, I felt like some things could have been trimmed a little, but not to the extent that I was frustrated or bored. I loved the inclusion of Magic; that specific scene reminiscent of fairy tales; And I also loved how our characters always tried to find a logical way to further their agenda. 😉
Even the end of the book felt realistic, even though we do have a little bit of whimsy there🤭…

Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're in the mood for a slow cozy fantasy discussing important topics such as learning accommodations for children with different needs; social inclusion and how vital is a stable environment for children to thrive in.
I also think this can be a perfect choice for a palette cleanser between darker stories ; or if you're in the mood to read about traditional fairies.😁
I'll definitely read more from this author!☺️

[Mela]

This was unfortunately a dnf at 40%

Ismay moves to a small town after running away from her past job to teach to three sisters. However things at her new workplace are not as they seem and the girls are not as easy to teach as they first seemed. On top of that Ismay decided to contact the transport bureau to make sure that the train connects with the small town as well. Was that a wise choice?

The premise of this book sounded so good. I love cozy fantasy, small towns and I was really interested to find out the real nature of the Glenn and the family. Lately I found that pacing and characters are really important for me to enjoy this genre because even here my biggest issues were the pacing of the story and the main character. The pacing glossed over scenes that could have helped connect with characters and then it was quite slow in other parts of the story. Ismay reminded me of all the Mc I generally dislike, because of her inability to try and put herself in other people’s shoes. How do you move to another town and make the decision to make a new train station without ever asking the rest of the population? Also I really didn’t like how she treated the girls and was not understanding of their situation. If you love cozy fantasy I’d still recommend this book, because what didn’t work for me might be working for you.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

[emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Moonsingers! At first, I struggled a little to understand the world and everything that was happening, but once the plot truly took off and the main conflict became clear, I was completely hooked until the very end.

What I loved most was the charm of the three girls. Each of them had a distinct personality, yet together they formed such a close-knit and lovable team. Watching them grow closer while getting to know each of them throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.

I also really loved the FMC. Although she arrived feeling insecure and lacking confidence, she gradually found her strength, rediscovered who she truly was, and, driven by a clear purpose and strong convictions, learned to find her place both within the village and among its people. Seeing her character growth was incredibly rewarding.

Even though the romance was only a secondary part of the story, I absolutely loved watching the FMC fall in love with this ambitious young man. I especially appreciated that, despite their opposing views on the central conflict, they were able to see beyond their differences and recognize that those disagreements didn't define who they were as people.

Overall, The Moonsingers was a delightful cozy fantasy, light, heartwarming, and the perfect read for summer or a relaxing weekend!

[Michaela | bumblebeeslibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moonsingers is a cozy fantasy

FMC Ismay has had some issues in her past as a teacher, and is unable to get a job locally, so has taken a tutoring position in a far away town called Glenmaidens. She is wary, and hopes the news of her previous scandal has not reached this village. As she begins to tutor the 3 Underhill sisters, things do not go as expected. In the hopes of getting in the good graces of both the town, and helping the girls' reputation, Ismay sends a letter to the transportation bureau suggesting they extend the train into town. Much to her surprise, a Hamish Beck responds, and actually shows up to start surveying for the extension. This causes quite the series of events, as the townsfolk hurry to save the Maidenhead tree, the portal to fairyland.

I enjoyed the story overall, and I do think that others will enjoy it. The reason for my lower rating is because the writing was odd for me, and while there were a lot of things going on, the story still felt kind of slow and it was hard to get into. I felt like we needed more backstory on the fairies, and fairyland, but we got such a small glimpse, that it felt a little rushed, considering the main part of the story is trying to save the Oak tree.

I did enjoy the Underhill sisters and their different way of learning. Once Ismay knows their secret, she is able to teach them in a way that suits them, instead of trying to force them to learn in a traditional way. I think Ismay fit in perfectly with the Underhills, and the town itself, since she herself always struggled with doing things "by the book."

The unexpected budding romance between Ismay and Hamish is a fun edition to the story, since he is the man they are all trying to get rid of, what a turn of events when the forced proximity between them turns into a little something more.

I felt for Ismay, she has created this train debacle, when she was only trying to help, and is now trying to stop the man she is falling for. I enjoyed the friends that Ismay has as well, and enjoyed reading about her grow into her true self throughout this story.

thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of this book!

Some fav quotes:
"The Underhill girls, however, were a force unto themselves, driven by some mighty streak of purehearted whimsy."

"She watched the small figures ramble toward their home and squeezed her hands tight behind her back, more convinced than ever that there was something uncanny about the Underhill family—all four of them."

"A shifting out of—or into—place rippled through Ismay all evening. Morven, Weir, and Ailsa had always been her last chance. She never imagined she might be theirs as well."

"“I’m sorry for every stupid moment I wasted. I think I might’ve loved you since you said you daydream about the furniture in romance novels.”"

"Several facts were unavoidable: Here, at the margins of the country, the full moon brought something more than auspice; moreover, the Underhills were not what they seemed."

"nly later, as she gazed out her bedroom window at the still-full moon, and the rushing in her body gave way to exhaustion, did she consider that the schoolmaster had identified one truth: The girls were the same as her. They were all unbiddable."

"Still, if Ismay had learned anything during her time in the village, it was that even a very small window, when left open, could allow something marvelous to pass through."

[Carola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

I love cozy fantasy books, so when I saw this e-arc on Netgalley with the lovely cover and great description I knew I wanted to read it.

In this book we follow Ismay who is looking for a new teaching post after her last post had an unfortunate accident. She decides to work for the underhill family where she will teach the three daughters. However, the lessons turn out catastrophic and Ismay makes decisions that don’t fit well with some people in the small town. She has to work together with the family and neighbors to get out of the mess to get a happy ending.

I liked the world building and the sisters were great in their own way, but I really was annoyed with Ismay, how she stands in life and the decisions she made that had a negative impact on others without thinking that through. Besides that, the story, characters and world building felt flat.

[jordanliketheriver]

I found the writing atmospheric and evocative, with a tone that gave Jane Eyre vibes. The FMC is relatable in her curiosity, especially in the way it tends to land her in trouble or irritate the people around her (though thankfully not the ones who matter).

That said, I struggled to stay engaged. I went in expecting more cozy banter, and perhaps that develops later, but the early plot—focused mainly on the FMC playing teacher to three faerie girls—didn’t hold my interest. I also found myself wanting to skip ahead to see when the MMC would appear, which is usually a sign the story isn’t compelling enough on its own for me.

The FMC’s early dishonesty didn’t help my connection to her either; it didn’t feel like a meaningful character flaw. Ultimately, this one wasn’t for me. DNF at 12%.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy. As always, all opinions are my own. If you’re the kind of reader who loves a cozy fantasy, a very slow burn romance, and a story that’s more about atmosphere than action, I honestly think you might love this one. The writing is beautifully poetic, almost lyrical at times, and Robyn J. Pritzker has a unique voice that feels like sitting beside a campfire while someone tells you an old fairy tale. Unfortunately, I discovered something new about myself while reading this: I’m apparently picky when it comes to fantasy. I never quite connected with the characters or felt fully invested in where the story was going, even though I could appreciate how thoughtfully it was written. But really that says more about my reading taste than it does about the book. I think I’ve realized I prefer my fairy tales a little darker, faster paced, and with a touch more bite. Cozy mysteries? Sign me up. Cozy fairy tales? They might just not be my happily ever after.

[Whispers of ink]

ARC REVIEW

The beautiful cover and cozy description drew me in, but ultimately, I had to put this book down. I found the main character relatable, but I struggled to stay engaged, particularly because of a lack of cozy banter in the early chapters.

The plot centers on the FMC, a teacher for three faerie girls, but it failed to captivate me. I found myself wanting to skip ahead to the male lead's arrival, which is a red flag. The FMC’s initial dishonesty felt more like a plot device than a genuine flaw.

Despite appreciating some aspects, this book didn't resonate with me, and I DNF'd it at 20%. Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the advance copy, but it wasn't the right fit for me.

[Jo Wyld · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ARC from Net Galley

This is a gentle and cosy romance with fairies 🧚‍♂️

I loved how Ismay developed and found her strength as well as love in this story.

In fact there are many delightful characters that make up a wonderful welcoming community. If I could move to this village I absolutely would!

Lovely!

[Hanan ☕️✨]

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this hoping for a cozy, whimsical fantasy, and while the premise had potential, it unfortunately didn’t fully work for me. The writing was atmospheric and gave slight Jane Eyre vibes, which I enjoyed, and I liked some of the magical elements and the Underhill family.

However, I struggled to stay engaged with the pacing and never fully connected with the FMC. Many of her decisions frustrated me, and the story overall felt too slow for my taste. I also found myself waiting for the MMC and bigger plot developments to finally appear.

Overall, this was just a matter of personal taste, but sadly this one wasn’t for me.

⭐️⭐️
DNF at 12%

[pining.deciduous · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book. Definitely cozy kind of reminds me of the city mouse and country mouse story. Regardless I found myself smiling a lot through this book and loved the ending.

[Tina G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 5 ⭐️

The Moonsingers is a cozy, clean fantasy with a sprinkle of closed door romance. Very light hearted and reminded me a little of the Bronte sisters. Highly recommended if you're looking for something a little more historical, love fairies, or found families!

Thank you to Poisoned Pen and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!

[Jess]

DID NOT FINISH

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who loves cozy fantasy, I was genuinely excited to read this. The cover and premise immediately caught my attention, and I was looking forward to a whimsical, cozy story. Unfortunately, this one wasn't the right fit for me. While the worldbuilding was detailed, I found the pacing too slow and struggled to connect with both the story and the characters.

I ultimately chose to DNF this book at 25%. I try to give every book a fair chance, but I reached a point where I wasn't enjoying the reading experience and decided it was best to move on. This is purely a matter of personal preference, and I think readers who enjoy slower, atmospheric fantasy may appreciate it more than I did.

#NetGalley #E-arcs

[Patricia Contic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definition of cozy fantasy! The storytelling is so enjoyable, felt like I was ready an old fairytale as a kid! And you will absolutely love the characters across the entire story 💚💚💚💚

[Mae Polzine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating rounded up from 3.75, full review is over on my blog.

The Moonsingers is the debut novel of Robyn J. Pritzker. This book is a cozy fantasy read that follows Ismay, a private tutor for three sisters, as she navigates her new role and the consequences of reaching out to a bureaucrat, Hamish Breck, about extending the railway system. Unbeknownst to her, this would destroy the only way for fairies to travel back to their world from Glenmaiden. Granted, she didn't know this when she initially contacted him, nor did she know that fairies were real. It doesn't help that she falls in love with him either, which causes her heart to pull in two directions between helping the fairies and not hurting his career. However, she must ultimately choose one of those.

This book is written in the third person, with each chapter starting with a letter between the main character, Ismay, and either her sister or Hamish Breck. Each chapter is long, following a specific segment of the plot rather than being broken into smaller portions.

The writing is atmospheric with a Scottish setting and inclusion of Gaelic words. It takes place in a small village full of whimsy and magic that Ismay discovers as she realizes there's more going on as oddities start to stand out. However, there are not a lot of details regarding the backstory or information regarding the fairies. Only that they are benevolent, though a little mischievous with their wishes, but they aren't sinister or cruel like in traditional fairy tales. And that they are called to return to fairyland through the Maiden Tree during a full moon, as there's a Song calling them back.

However, we don't get to see much of this world, as it's only talked about loosely. Granted, I wasn't expecting a lot of that, considering this is a cozy fantasy book, so it was never going to be in-depth, even if that would have been nice. The magic system is also straightforward and not overly complicated, which fits perfectly with the world and flows into the book seamlessly.


There was a lot going on that the plot felt all over the place at times. Almost like it wasn't sure if it was. Not that I didn't enjoy it, but at times the pacing felt off, with many elements not fully explored and others rushed. The friendships with the townsfolk seemed superficial, and the fight against modernization felt disjointed, as it was intertwined with the budding relationship between Ismay and Hamish, alongside Ismay's struggle to adapt to students who needed a less rigid approach.

However, the sections focusing on Ismay and the Underhill sisters (Morven, Weir, and Ailsa) were exceptionally well done. This was where the story truly shined. The character growth between the girls and Ismay felt natural. You could see the girls come out of their shell and learn that they weren't bad children. They may be a bit strange at times but they are loveable and inquisitive. While Ismay learned from them how to come out of her shell and embrace the untameable pieces of herself. I also love how the children had their own unique abilities and played a major part throughout the story. They were never sidelined as the plot shifted away from the teaching elements and into the conflict regarding the railway.

With that said, the beginning of the book was a bit of a drag at times, watching Ismay try to puzzle out why the sisters were acting so strangely. If you read the blurb of the book, you already know the twist that comes a third of the way through, so you're waiting for the main character to catch up. But once that occurred and Hamish finally made an appearance, it picked up, though there were still elements that were rushed or didn't have a strong payoff.

Though I do wish that more of the relationship between Ismay and Hamish had been on the page, as a lot of this happens off the page. However, I found their romance endearing, even if I was thrown off by the several mentions that Ismay could fall in love with a different character whenever things weren't working out between Ismay and Hamish due to conflicting goals.

Ismay tries to take on every responsibility by herself without considering the negative impacts on others or consulting them first. For instance, she reaches out to Hamish immediately upon arriving in Glenmaiden about extending the railway without knowing the village's stance on it first all because she thought it was an inconvenience that it didn't go to the village. She also isn't forthcoming about her past nor does she let others in on what's going on. Granted, at one point she was enchanted to prevent her from telling anyone the truth regarding the Maiden Tree and fairies. Although she tried to dance around those limitations, others did not realize what she was attempting to do yet somehow weren't turned off by it either.

We don't learn what the accident is that set Ismay on this adventure for most of the book, which drove her to Glenmaiden in the first place, or why she struggles between teaching the rigid methods she was taught and doing what works best for the children, or even letting them explore beyond the classroom. It would have been nice to know this earlier to fully understand the fear and indecision that hold her back, especially since this is what her character development focuses on. Honestly, once it is revealed, it seems like an overreaction, and no one in the village beyond the schoolteacher there, who has it out for Ismay and the Underhill sisters, cares about the event, only that she lied about it. For one of the main driving points behind her motivation to go to Glenmaiden in order to redeem herself, it falls a bit flat. I honestly thought it was going to be something more grave, given the way she was blacklisted.

On top of that, Ismay never really felt like she fit in anywhere and misses unsaid rules of society. On top of that, she has always compared herself to others and felt like she never met anyone's expectations. This is another piece of her character development, but it doesn't truly take form until partway through the book when she learns that her family friend is getting married. and drops in unannounced during the festival with Ismay's sister, who came to visit.

She hesitates to participate or dance with Hamish, held back by insecurities and jealousy that surface in the presence of her friend. However, this also prompts her to recognize her feelings for Hamish Breck. Though she doesn’t express this immediately, considering the ongoing railway situation, she begins to understand that being needed isn’t the same as being loved, and that attempting to resolve everything alone can lead to more harm than good. Also, she wasn't the only one who contributed to the issues at hand, even if she was the one who initially sent Hamish a letter about the railway.

Overall, even though the pace wasn't consistent and some choices were a bit frustrating at times, I still enjoyed this and would recommend it, especially if you love misunderstood characters and cozy, lighthearted fantasy books with a tinge of romance. Just don't go into the book looking for high stakes or a lot of depth.

[Alexandra B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I love a good whimsical, cozy fantasy, so I was hopeful this would be an enjoyable read, buut... I ended up DNFing at around 50% because the it didn’t quite click for me.

The premise (a fairy community trying to protect their home from a railway extension) had promise, but the pacing and tone felt slow and didn’t hold my attention. I didn’t connect with the FMC in any way, though I enjoyed the Underhill family and the magical elements. Some key plot points unfolded quite late, which made it hard for me to stay invested.

Overall, this is just a matter of personal taste, other readers who enjoy gentle, character-driven fantasy with whimsical worldbuilding may find it more engaging.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 or 4.75 rounded up

What an absolute gem of a book! I ADORED this, and it absolutely reminded me of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches but with its own unique story (if that makes sense).

Following Ismay as she took care of Morven, Ailsa, and Weir was just a blast. Even knowing that the family was fae/fairies from the blurb, seeing Ismay's shifting reactions as she first perceived them as 'unruly' and rambunctious to then understanding that they simply are free spirits, compelled at times by the way the Maiden Tree and goddess of the moon calls to them. The kids are truly so sweet and loving at their core. Watching Ismay and the girls come together, along with their father and some other characters, to form a found family absolutely melted my heart (it's one of my favorite tropes, after all).

Ismay herself was a really interesting character, and I thought her development/build was complex. On the one hand, she has a past that haunts her, and she's never been able to do things 'right' or be the 'right' kind of person for everyone else. She's imaginative and compassionate, not rigid and authoritarian like others want/expect her to be as a teacher. She is 'unbiddable.' She is determined and individual and empathetic. I loved how this translated to her relationship with the girls; she sees herself in them, and through that forms deeper bonds with them. She comes to understand that they don't need to be changed, and neither does she. They don't have to follow everyone else's rules or fit their molds; they can learn in their own way, be adventurous and imaginative, be unique and have FUN. Gosh forbid people want to have some fun!

Along with their parallels in personalities, Ismay and the girls/family as a whole connect through their reputations. Ismay's past mistake is similar to the family's poor reputation in the glen and the girls having been kicked out of school for an enigmatic event. There's a little tension throughout the story as the mysteries are alluded to, and finding out what happened regarding both Ismay's past and the girls' past at the village school was compelling! It's a cozy fantasy, so it's nothing drastic, but when those events were revealed, I found the other characters' reactions really heartwarming, and the events themselves, explained by the characters who 'committed' the acts, made me feel for them.

Throughout the story, Ismay's actions often contradict one another and/or her thoughts or what we've previously seen/read about her. That said, I interpreted it as a reflection of her internal struggle to be and act as/who others expect vs her own desires and determination.

It was easy for me to feel connected to Ismay and the girls, and I loved hearing about their teaching lessons/sessions. Along with that was the whole conundrum Ismay set into motion regarding the train line, which drags Hamish into the mix. The conflict was a good foundation for her to grow closer to the family and some other side characters as they all tried to save the tree and fairyland, by extension. The way the end wrapped things up was great!

Hamish stands strong on his own, too. I enjoyed getting to know about his passion for the trains and the reason he is so eager and determined to see the project be a success. It created another good conflict between Ismay and Hamish - they're both trying to preserve something, to save what they care about. I thought the romance between them was sweet, too! Ismay sees Hamish's passion, his genuine sincerity, care, and generosity (even if it's at odds with her mission), and all of his good qualities. Hamish, too, recognizes her intellect and care for the kids, the way she helps them and is always looking out for them, regardless of their reputation. He sees her beyond her past.

As a whole, watching Ismay go from expecting her position to be a temporary means of regaining some credibility to return to a better teaching position to genuinely caring about the girls, their family, and the glen was heartwarming. The found family, the humor, the love, all of it was great! Though the chapters are long, the story moves at a good pace, and there are little mysteries, the big train conflict, and the romance subplot to keep interest going. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves cozy fantasies, the found family trope, and/or The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches!

My 'okays':
- I wanted a little more about fairyland and the family as fae in general.
- I thought Diarmid character could have been a little more developed.
- While I thought the romance was sweet, I could've done with some more development there, as well.
- There were a couple loose ends I wanted tied up with side characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC to read and review; all opinions are my own.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book rating: 1.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: cozy fantasy

After a terrible accident, Ismay is forced to take a teaching post in an obscure town with a family she knows little about. Her unbiddable pupils are odd to say the least and their father shares a similar disposition. When Ismay initiates a land survey for a railroad expansion, she will unexpectedly throw the Underhills into a crisis. Should the ancient oak tree be damaged, the gateway between the mortal realm and the fae world would be closed.

I have been enjoying cozy fantasies lately and the idea of a peculiar family in an isolated glen with a little Brontë sisters vibe all intrigued me. Unfortunately, this book suffered a lot from telling rather than showing. The main character describes her own faults in detail and yet does not display many of these attributes. The children are noted to be uncanny in behaviour, but more examples were needed to drive home this point. She discovered their “secret” far too easily and there was no price to this discovery, which she then expected free rein over sharing and exploring. It was just all too simple. There seemed to be a lack of any sense of urgency or tension and parts of the plot did not even make sense. The main plot point was something of Ismay’s own making and it seemed like such an odd thing for a newly arrived governess to do. It threw off the pacing and made the plot feel sluggish and anticlimactic.

Then there is the main character who seemed to lack any originality or defining characteristics. She vacillated between the idea of being a wild rule breaker and a jealous young woman keen on proving her self worth with little to show for it. Her erroneous accident was a looming threat that ended up being so mild to warrant such a hostile reaction from her home town. She makes senseless decisions that impact others in a harmful way that didn’t fit well within the small town dynamics of a found family. Besides a keen interest in reading, which again could have been explored better, I had a hard time pinning down her personality. She is upset that she does not have her employer’s trust and then tries to break it in the next chapter. She wants to rectify her mistake and yet goes out of her way to look out for Hamish the instigator of problems. Her patience wears thin over Diamard and mine over her confounding behaviour and general attitude. She was largely unlikeable and too bland. She needed to be more meddlesome and messy or have some redeemable qualities to give her some defining personality. That made the inevitable love story and found family a little lacklustre and hard to believe. Good literary relationships rely on character development and to some extent having a character that one enjoys following.

I felt like there was a missed opportunity to explore the landscape further and the wild imaginings of the children who held promise. They were the characters I liked the most, along with a few auxiliary personas in town. It lacked the magical component I search for in tales of the fae and doorways into other realms. The idea of the song was simple and creative, but that was all there was to the folk in this story. By the time they entered Underhill I had completely lost interest in the story. I wanted wonderment and whimsy with that cozy feeling from a book that pulls at your heart and I was instead left ruminating on my general habit of finishing every book I pick up. It left a note of frustration on my palette.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for an eARC. This low stakes fae fantasy was not for me, but I am sure many other reader will appreciate the found family redemption story with messy characters and an easy to read style of writing. And let’s point out this gorgeous cover that is sure to snag attention!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.

Summary

The Moonsingers follows Ismay Gebhardt, who accepts a position as a private tutor in the quiet village of Glenmaidens after losing yet another teaching job. Her new pupils, the three Underhill sisters, are far from ordinary, and neither is the village itself. When Ismay’s attempt to bring a railway extension to the area threatens an ancient oak tree, she discovers that Glenmaidens is hiding something magical. Many of its residents are fairies who left their world behind for a gentler life, and the oak may be their only connection back.

My Review

I think I went into this book expecting something different from what it actually was, and that definitely affected my reading experience. Sometimes a book can be beautifully written and full of things you would normally enjoy, but for whatever reason, you just never completely connect with it. That was The Moonsingers for me.

The writing itself was very pretty, and I tend to love books with that softer, almost whimsical style. There are lovely descriptions throughout, and I could appreciate the natural beauty of Glenmaidens, the magical traditions, and the cozy fairy tale feeling the author was creating. This is the kind of setting that I can easily see another reader completely falling into.

I also really liked the idea behind the story. A hidden village, a family of fairies living in the mortal world, an ancient oak tree connecting two worlds, and a railway extension threatening everything they have built is such a creative concept. There is also something sweet about the larger themes of belonging, finding family, and discovering wonder in ordinary life.

Unfortunately, I often felt lost while reading. I struggled to fully settle into the story and connect with what was happening, and because of that, parts of it fell flat for me emotionally. I kept waiting for that moment when everything would click and I would become completely invested, but it never quite happened.

I also think this is one of those cases where my expectations played a role. I had built up a different idea of the book in my head before starting it, so when the actual story took another direction, I had trouble adjusting. That is not necessarily a flaw in the book itself, but it is part of my honest reading experience.

Even though this did not fully work for me, I can absolutely see the audience for it. Readers who love cozy fantasy, whimsical storytelling, gentle magic, fairy tale elements, found family, and stories that focus more on atmosphere and belonging may have a completely different experience than I did.

Overall, The Moonsingers was a beautifully written and imaginative story that I appreciated more than I personally connected with. I loved the idea of the magical village, the ancient oak, and the fairies searching for a gentler life, but I struggled with feeling lost and emotionally disconnected from the story. This ended up being a three star read for me, but I genuinely think it deserves a chance with the right reader.

Would I Recommend?

Yes, I would. This one may not have completely landed for me, but I would still recommend giving it a chance, especially if you enjoy cozy fantasy, whimsical settings, gentle magic, fairy tale inspired stories, and books centered around belonging and found family. I can easily see this becoming a comfort read for someone else, and sometimes that is simply how reading works. Not every book is meant for every reader.

[Cozy Sabie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In fact, what she most wanted, and could never before articulate, was to find the place where she made sense and help others do the same."

GENRE: Cozy Fantasy
RATING: 5/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc

Overall Impression: What a BEAUTIFUL story! This one is for those of us who are a little bit lost, looking for a place to call home and a community that accepts us as we are. It teaches us that we don't need to change and one day, we'll find that perfect home and found family that shows us that

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Review:
Okay where do I start? I LOVED everything about The Moonsingers, from the whimsy and the tone, the themes that focus on finding yourself and your home, building a community and a small town? Plus the entire adventure of trains, telegrams & letters, folklore and so much more? I AM IN (or well, I was and then I read it and I loved it😂)

The Moonsinger is a Cozy Fantasy that focuses on so many things but ultimately, to me, it was a story about standing out in a community that never understood you and having to leave to find your home and place in the world. Ismay never fit in society and didn't understand all the unsaid rules. Because of this, she struggles to find her own community outside of her family and even then, her own family loves her but doesn't understand her.

And so Ismay moves to a smaller town for a job to fix her own situation and intends to go back but OH WHAT AN ADVENTURE SHE EXPERIENCES!!

Ismay moves to Glenmaidens and becomes a private tutor to the Underhill sisters and oh, what a lovely community they build. It's two different communities who have always been outsiders, never fitting in finding each other. Ismay leads all the three girls through different lessons and learns with them that fitting in isn't necessary when you are in a place that will accept you as you are. With that, they all find a home in each other and a community. Sometimes, you have to leave the place you grew up in and find a home somewhere else rather than work to fit yourself in somewhere you were never meant to be in.

Oh and the adventures in The Moonsingers? We have Ismay meeting Hamish Breck, finding out about the secrets that are hidden in Glenmaidens with a dose of magic and Ismay making friends and meeting new people in the community. OH and obviously, them trying to stop the train from being built where the Oak tree is!

This Cozy Fantasy is for those of us who feel a little bit lost and dont know where home is. It's for those of us who haven't found our community and feel that loneliness at not belonging where we grew up. It's a story that gives us hope that there is a place for us somewhere that will accept us as we are and people that will love us for who we are. It's a lesson that we don't need to change to fit in, we will find those who love us for who we are.

What a beautiful and lovely story. I now want to try Tablet and can't wait to acquire some!

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dotti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 stars

The Moonsingers is a cozy fairy tale about a young woman, Ismay, who starts her life again as the teacher to three young girls in the countryside. Ismay writes to the department of transportation about trying to get a train into town to modernize, but learns that it would involve the destruction of a thousands-year-old tree sacred to this community. But not everything is as it seems, and Ismay has a lot to learn.

I love a cozy fantasy novel. I love a small town setting. I love whimsy and magical and found family and a romance. This book has a lot of elements that are easy wins in my book, and I came into the premise excited about the story.

This story centers around Ismay and her three charges, and this part of the story is very well done. Ismay and the three girls she teaches learn together and form a family of sorts, learning from one another. Ismay’s character growth in connection to these girls is solid and engaging.

The magic system in this book was also just right, well-developed without being overcomplicated. The story moves the magic into the narrative at just the right times and allows our character to discover things slowly. The fairies in this story are benevolent and maybe a little mischievous, but never sinister or cruel, which is a nice change from traditional fairy tales.

The largest problem with this book is that it’s trying to do too much. The story isn’t sure if it’s a small-town story about a big city teacher learning from its students, or a romance novel, or a story about someone isolated finding her community, or a fight against bureaucracy, or a redemption novel. Because it’s trying to do too much, the pacing for the book feels off, and almost none of the elements feel explored enough. The romance felt rushed, her friendships with the townsfolk feel thin, and the fight against modernization feels disjointed.

I also fundamentally don’t understand the redemption storyline. Our story starts with Ismay chastising herself for a life-altering mistake that she made as a teacher that put everyone at risk. The refrain that students almost died keeps echoing through the story, and I couldn’t figure out what would have been large enough to warrant such a reaction and also keep our character likable. When we finally discover this horrible secret, it feels like an overreaction. When this truth is revealed to her community, no one reacts to the actual event; instead, everyone is just mad at her for lying. Our character was blacklisted completely in her large city and unable to secure a job except for in the countryside because of this seemingly small mistake. I understand the premise needed her to uproot herself, but the problem was never really explained or addressed by our characters. The assumption seemed to be that we would understand why this error is grave and therefore explanations are unnecessary.

Altogether, this is a cute cozy fantasy novel that needed some improvements in its execution. Because the story tried to do too much, the pacing and characterizations really suffered in the story, and the redemption story didn’t feel like it explained or gave weight to our character’s mistakes. This book had a lot of potential and I hope that the author will continue to write, as I think there’s a lot that could work in this story with more editing.

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up.

The Moonsingers delivers everything you could possibly wish for in a cozy fantasy, in my opinion.

This is a story about stepping into yourself - about recognising that not fitting society’s idea of “normal” doesn’t make you any less worthy of love, care, or belonging. There’s such a beautiful freedom in that. This book mended small cuts in my neurodivergent (ADHD) heart that I didn’t realise were still quietly bleeding.

We follow Ismay as she leaves behind her old life in Port Skerry after an accident at her school and becomes a governess to three young girls in a small village. But the girls and their father aren’t what they seem, and many of Ismay’s attempts to help or better the lives around her go awry - including her well‑intentioned push for a railway line to reach their remote village. The survey for that railway brings Hamish Breck into her world, and something tender begins to unfurl amid the chaos.

What worked for me
I love Ismay, plain and simple. I saw entirely too much of younger me reflected in her - in the way she’s treated by a world that doesn’t understand, value, or make space for her, and in the way she tries to fold herself into boxes she was never meant to fit. Even writing it out makes my throat tighten. It feels as though Pritzker reached into the most delicate parts of me and laid them bare for anyone to see.

Ismay’s growing bond with her pupils is tender and full of small, wild joys, and I adored watching all of them embrace the untameable pieces of themselves. And the dynamic between Ismay and Hamish? It had me biting back smile after smile and kicking my feet. Their connection was like something soft blooming in a place that didn’t expect warmth.

The Scottish setting is wonderful, and the world‑building is lush without ever overwhelming. The inclusion of Gaelic words throughout the chapters adds a grounded, atmospheric texture.

Why my rating isn’t higher
I wish I could rate the book higher, but a few things didn’t quite work for me.

The blurb contains a major spoiler about the Underhill family. This wouldn’t be an issue if we didn’t spend the first 25–30% of the book watching Ismay try to puzzle out what makes them act so strangely. While this section also builds her backstory and the world, it dragged. I found myself waiting for her to catch up so the story could start to unfold.

Marceline is introduced as someone who deeply shaped Ismay’s lack of self‑confidence, but for the emotional weight she carries, their relationship isn’t explored enough. It leaves her feeling like a character added mainly to tie a neat bow on Paterson Williams, the schoolmaster in Glennmaidens, at the end.

Which brings me to Mr. Williams. He’s introduced as an antagonist, and Pritzker succeeds in making me loathe him, but his storyline fizzles. He appears for dramatic effect here and there, only to be whisked away. The potential was immense, but the payoff wasn’t.

Final verdict
Despite the shortcomings, I’d absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy. The characters are lovable, and following each of them as they find themselves is a quiet, steady joy.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley, who gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Moonsingers” by Dr. Robyn J. Pritzker isn’t just world building, it’s myth building. Putting me most in mind of Freya Marske’s “Last Binding” trilogy, or Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising Sequence, this book is enchanting and subsuming in the way that I always hope I’ll discover again.

Moonsingers carries the childlike joy and excitement and * glory * of a new fantastical world alongside our own; a Narnia, an Earthsea, a Damar, a Fantasia (or as written in the book, Fantastica), while remaining engaging, captivating, and engrossing as an adult reader.

I think that Ismay is perfectly summed up in the statement that she “always felt, no matter how she tried to do things by the book, her own book was the wrong one.” In part because of this, she tries so hard in the beginning to help the girls be able to fit in to go back to school, tamping down all her instincts because she’s been trained to believe they’re wrong when really they’re the most right. As she learns more about who the girls and their father are, she finds embracing who she herself is to be the way forward with them and for them. It is a delight to see her embrace whimsy and adventure as a means to education.

Alas, in her broader life, she continues to make inadvertently wrong choices, and it is this facet of her character that drives much of the action of the story (the ill-omened letter requesting the train being the prime example). Ismay is easy to see as neurodivergent, with ADHD being the most obvious, and as with any adult woman with undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety is not far behind. In combination, the results can seem irrational – for example demanding her bicycle so she can keep her commitment to arrive at Mossgaan on the promised day even though the conductor told her that her new employer would have been informed of the train’s delay.

The romance is subtle, and while it plays a role in plot, it is not the focus, and you find yourself questioning what its end result will be – it is, after all, a cozy fairy tale, not a cozy romance. When I reached the halfway point of the book I wondered how there could still be a whole other half remaining, when to my delight what I expected to be the climax was only the end of the first act. It is in act two wherein we see Ismay truly learn to lean into her strengths and her character growth and development is neither sudden nor unbelievable. I know I have focused on Ismay, but I cannot think of a way to also discuss Morven, Weir, Ailsa, Diermid, and Haimish, Caroline Sosie, Phil, and Adrian as well without turning the review into a book report, and it may already be too long.

Wishes are dangerous things when dealing with the Still Folk, yet I wish my review could convey the feeling of Glenmaidens, Mossgaan, and the relationships in Moonsingers. My review just can’t do it justice, but as act two proceeded I wrote in my notes “chills and goosebumps and delight!” and at the end of the tale, “my mind and heart are singing!”

In more mundane matters, I was also delighted by the pronunciation and definition footnotes.

THANK YOU NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC copy of Moonsingers. My review is voluntary, and I've been messaging friends and even called my mom about the book!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Moonsingers 🌙🎶is a gentle, cozy fantasy about Ismay Gebhardt, a young woman trying to begin again after losing yet another teaching position. When she arrives in the quiet village of Glenmaidens to become a private tutor for the three Underhill sisters, she expects a practical fresh start. What she finds instead is a place shaped by old magic, community ties, fairy mischief, and a sacred tree that means far more to the village than she first understands.

At the center of the story is Ismay’s relationship with the three girls she has been hired to teach. The Underhill sisters are lively, unusual, and not always easy students, but their bond with Ismay slowly becomes the emotional heart of the book. I really enjoyed watching not only the girls learn from Ismay but, more importantly, Ismay learn from the girls. Ismay arrives thinking she is there to guide them, but the girls and the village end up teaching her just as much about belonging, trust, and letting go of the need to carry everyone else’s burdens.

The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements. Glenmaidens has that slow, tucked-away countryside feeling that makes cozy fantasy so appealing. The magic is soft and whimsical without becoming overly complicated. The fairies are playful and mysterious rather than cruel, and the ancient oak tree adds a lovely mythic quality to the story. I especially liked how the magical elements unfold gradually, allowing Ismay to discover the village’s secrets piece by piece.

I also appreciated the themes of found family and chosen home. The Moonsingers is very much about realizing that family is not always defined by blood or birthplace. Sometimes home is the place and the people that allow you to become more fully yourself. That message is simple, but it is handled with warmth and sincerity.

There is also a touch of romance, and I enjoyed what was there, though I found myself wishing for a little more on the page. When it finally arrived, it felt like we hit fast-forward, went to the other side, and kept going. The story is more focused on healing, teaching, community, and Ismay’s personal growth than on the romantic thread, so readers looking for a romance-forward fantasy may want to adjust expectations.

My biggest struggle was the pacing. This is a very slow, meandering book, and while that adds to the dreamy, old-fashioned atmosphere, there were parts of the story that dragged for me. Ismay also frustrated me at times. Her heart is usually in the right place, but some of her choices create problems that could have been avoided if she had paused, listened, or trusted others sooner. That said, her flaws do serve a purpose. She is a character who has to learn that being needed is not the same thing as being loved, and that trying to fix everything can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Overall, The Moonsingers is a charming, heartfelt fantasy with a beautiful sense of place, endearing side characters, and a cozy magical atmosphere. It did not completely sweep me away because of the slower pacing and a few frustrating character choices, but I still found it warm, thoughtful, and ultimately satisfying. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press🖊️ for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion. I recommend it to lovers of whimsical fairies🧚 and cozy fantasy🧌.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫(3.5 stars, rounded up to 4)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" you'll enjoy "The Moonsingers". This cozy fantasy follows Ismay who has taken up a teaching positions in a remote village for 3 very unusual girls. At the start of the novel, her train trip there is interrupted, prompting Ismay to write to the train agency and ask for an extension of the train line. Little does she know what trouble that will bring for her new town and the 3 girls she's learning to love.

I thought this was very sweet and wholesome. I loved the beginning where Ismay starts to get to know the family she's working for, and begins to connect with the 3 girls. It was very realistic to see, having been a teacher myself, that her pupils don't always act the way she expects, and quite charming to see how she begins to understand them and work to teach them in a way that suits their needs. I also found the romance very endearing, although a lot of Hamish and Ismay's connection happens off page, and I do wish more of it was on page.

What makes this a 3.5/5 star rating for me is that Ismay seems to have no brain cells in the beginning of the book. A train mildly inconvenienced her, and she makes a ton of rash decisions regarding this one event. She rides her bicycle off the beaten path to get somewhere instead of just waiting until the train starts running again. And then despite an entire village worth of people telling her they don't want a train, she adamantly requests a train station to be built in this village. The other thing that drove me up the wall was the author definitely queer baits a few times. The first time, she mentions that Ismay was flushed to see another female character she was friends with "not because of her bike ride". And I thought that maybe this would be the love interest as the real love interest had not been solidified yet. But then I read on and was like "oh maybe I just misread that part". But then the author did it again!!! She says "maybe she and Phil(the female friend) would fall in love in a couple years" just because things didn't seem to be working out with the love interest in that moment. Either go for it and solidify the character as bi or don't even mention this, it really bugged me. Like if those 2 sentences had been omitted I think I would have enjoyed the story more just because I feel the author threw that in there to say "hey I have LGBTQ rep...even though there really was none.

Overall, this story was a very enjoyable story about found family, friendship, overcoming obstacle and past mistakes, with a tinge of romance. I think you'll enjoy this if you've read and enjoyed Sangu Mandanna's works. 3.5/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dora | ThePedestalBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Robyn J Pritzker for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Available 14 July 2026.

THE MOONSINGERS is as if a modern Jane Eyre wrote a heartwarming story about a tiny little Scottish town and fairies. Ismay was a teacher until she got fired, and spent ages looking for a new post until her last chance came up - tutoring three girls in the small village of Glemaidens, far away from her troubles. On her journey there, the train is late - which will be quite realistic to anyone familiar with Scottish transport - and Ismay takes it personally. All is well, until fixing the rail is motion, and Ismay realises that's the very last thing that should happen. In comes Hamish Breck, an awkward train nerd and the person who will ruin it all, and in comes a special family, the Underhills, whom Ismay has just put into danger.

It's absolutely perfect. From the first page to the last, I devoured this as if it were my only sustenance. Ismay's difficulties with the three girls were frustrating enough that I could feel it, and the passion she felt for being a better person than she had been before made my heart all warm and fuzzy. Her path to becoming a better person is far from linear but it's all the more satisfying for it, and shows how easily good intentions could have bad consequences. This novel is all about the importance of communication, honesty, and trust - and boy oh boy, does it do it fabulously!

A standing ovation goes to the girls: Morven, Weir, and Ailsa. They are strange and lovable, inquisitive and slightly odd, and you can't help but want to know more about them. The girls' father, Diarmid, mostly keeps to himself, but is hilarious when around and it was delightful to have such a gentle male presence throughout the entire story. Then there's Mr Hamish Breck himself - the man after everybody's heart. How could you not fall in love with him? He's kind, he's a nerd, he loves his family, and most importantly, perhaps, he might just love our protagonist, too.

The prose is picturesque, vivid, and feels like magic is seeping from the pages. I am jealous of all those who get to read this for the first time, going in blind just like I did, and discovering a world that is a better version of their own. So here I am, asking about the next train to Glenmaidens - I'll take it even if it's an hour late. Or a whole day.

For fans of cosy fantasy, true romances, and stories that wrap themselves around your heart and never let go.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moonsingers is THE definition of a cozy fantasy. It’s gentle, whimsical, and overflowing with fairytale charm. While I could absolutely appreciate what the author was trying to create, I ultimately think this was simply too cozy for my personal taste.

The atmosphere was definitely my favorite part of the book, and I also think it was the strongest. Glenmaidens feels like the kind of place you’d want to wander through, with its hidden magic, enchanting traditions, and beautiful natural setting. The idea of fairies choosing to leave their magical realm behind in search of a quieter, gentler life was such a unique concept, and the ancient oak tree connecting the two worlds added an extra layer of wonder that I really enjoyed.

I also adored the Underhill sisters. They brought so much heart and mischief to the story, and watching Ismay slowly learn that every child needs to be taught differently was another one of my favorite elements. The found family dynamic was incredibly sweet, and the slow-burn romance between Ismay and Hamish had plenty of quiet longing that fit the tone of the story well.

That said, I never fully connected with the narrative itself. The pacing is intentionally slow, and while I expected a cozy fantasy, I found myself wanting just a little more momentum and emotional payoff. Obviously I don’t go into a cozy fantasy expecting high stakes, but I just needed something More from this book. Ismay’s tendency to second guess herself and repeatedly create problems in an attempt to fix previous mistakes also became somewhat repetitive for me. I kept waiting for the moment where everything would truly click, but it never really did. I also found myself wishing we’d spent more time exploring the world and the magical lore. The glimpses we received were fascinating, but I was left wanting a deeper dive into the fantasy elements that initially drew me to the book.

In the end, I think this was a case of the right book finding the wrong reader. I can completely understand why so many people will fall in love with its cozy atmosphere, gentle magic, and themes of belonging, but I personally needed a little more tension and forward momentum to stay invested. But if you’re looking for an extremely cozy fantasy filled with whimsical magic, found family, a sweet romance, and a story that prioritizes comfort over action, I think you’ll likely have a much better experience than I did. For me, it was a lovely concept that I admired more than I connected with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was one point while I was reading The Moonsingers when I looked at the percentage left on my Kindle and thought, “Okay…I still have a long way to go.”

A couple of nights later I was doing the exact opposite. I was hoping I hadn’t reached the last chapter yet.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for sending me a copy.

I don’t usually change my mind that much while I’m reading a book, but this one surprised me. The beginning felt slow to me. I’m not even going to pretend otherwise. I like stories that grab me pretty quickly, and this one wanted me to slow down instead. Once I stopped expecting it to be something it wasn’t, everything clicked.

Ismay made me laugh because she reminded me of that person who volunteers to help and somehow creates three new problems before fixing the first one. Her heart is always ahead of the rest of her. I spent half the book saying, “Oh no…don’t do that,” and the other half hoping things would work out anyway.

The Underhill girls were my favorite part. I don’t even have to think about it. They felt like kids. Loud sometimes. Funny without trying. Curious about everything. Every scene with them pulled me back into the story. I also liked Hamish because he wasn’t written like he knew exactly what to say all the time. That was refreshing.

The fairy pieces of the story are gentle. You won’t find huge battles or pages and pages of complicated magic. Instead you get an old tree, a small village, neighbors who look out for one another, and the feeling that ordinary places might be hiding something special. Maybe that’s why I kept thinking about it after I finished.

“It isn’t the weeds’ fault they’re weeds. They’re only trying to grow.”

I highlighted that one.

★★★★☆

Would I have trimmed a few chapters? Honestly…yes. I think I would have. But that’s funny because now that I’ve finished it, the slower pace is hardly what I remember. I remember the people. I remember the village. And I remember wishing I could walk down one of those little roads just once.

If your favorite fantasy books feel more like spending time with people than checking off plot points, I have a feeling this one will be a good fit.

What’s a book you almost gave up on but ended up being really glad you finished?

#TheMoonsingers #RobynJPritzker #PoisonedPenPress #CozyFantasy #BookReview #Bookstagram #FantasyReader #ReadersOfInstagram #FoundFamily #Books

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a cozy book with secrets and magic. When we first meet Ismay, we gather that she’s running away from something, but we don’t know what. She has been shunned by her town because of an incident she was involved in. That immediately caught my attention. I like when there’s a mystery or secret that isn’t immediately known, but there are clues about what could’ve happened. After finding out what it was, though, I didn’t think it warranted that drastic a punishment, especially because everything ended up working out and it was obvious it was an accident. But then we wouldn’t have Ismay meeting the Underhill family. The family is also hiding secrets from her and some of her new neighbors, too.

Ismay is truly trying her best. She’s very patient with the girls and tries to understand them. She knows there are weird things happening around her, but it doesn’t deter her from wanting to do well at her job. She loves the girls and wants this to work out. She still has her insecurities and doubts because of her past, but she tries to help anyway she can. But when she tries to do something good for the village by extending the railway, she realizes too late that she has put them in danger. To fix her mistake, she contacts the transport bureau, where she meets Officer Hamish Breck. From there, it goes to Ismay trying to get Hamish to understand why the proposal shouldn’t go through without revealing any secrets.

The romance was so adorable that I wanted more of it. I love that Hamish is a blusher. I’ve always found it endearing when the MMC is bashful. Every time they’re together, they get flustered because of how much they like each other. It was funny when Ismay wondered at the audacity of Hamish being so charming and not even knowing it. But she also loved how passionate he would get when talking about something he liked. Hamish would ramble, and once he realized he was talking too much, he would apologize, but Ismay would have none of that because it was something she loved about him. Unfortunately, as the urgency of the deadline approached, the romance felt rushed.

I wish I had seen more of the faeries and where they come from. There was a glimpse at the end, but it wasn’t really explored.

The characters are peculiar but lovely. There’s a strong found-family aspect that I adored, especially knowing how much Ismay was missing that part in her life.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.